I Never Shop on Amazon, but Even I Added These 10 Fashion, Home, and Beauty Finds to My Cart This Year

As PEOPLE’s senior shopping writer, my work days consist of researching and writing about all of the best fashion, beauty, and home finds retailers have to offer. When it comes to my shopping habits, however, I actually have a shocking secret to share: I really don’t shop on Amazon all that often (gasp!).

Because I’m surrounded by must-have products day in and out, it takes a lot of contemplation to finally purchase the items that pile up in my online shopping cart. So, I figured it was only fair to share the finds that convinced me to hit “buy” this year, including a sweater I lived in all fall and winter, and the hydrating face cream I’ve repurchased dozens of times. The best part? My top picks start at just $10.

Check out the 10 best things I purchased on Amazon in 2024, including skin care essentials, cozy closet staples, and PEOPLE Tested-approved picks.

Writer-Loved Amazon Picks

• 45% Off: Yankee Candle Classic Lilac Blossoms Large Jar Candle, $17 (orig. $31)
• Repeat Purchase: Elf Skin Holy Hydration! Face Cream, $13
• PEOPLE Tested Pick: Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops, $28 (orig. $29)
• Anrabess Oversized Crewneck Sweater, $45
• Afeetsing Round-Toe Ballet Flats, $24
• Beats Solo 4 Wireless On-Ear Headphones, $130 (orig. $200)
• Manzi Opaque Control Top Tights, $10
• BFWood Bamboo Hair Brush with Steel Bristles, $16
• The Gym People High-Waisted Yoga Pants, $25–$29 (orig. $30)
• Kodak Pixpro FZ45-RD Digital Camera, $90 (orig. $100)

Anrabess Oversized Crewneck Sweater

This crewneck sweater impressed me so much that I wrote about it not once, but twice this year (and I suppose now would be the third). I can’t stress enough how cozy and perfectly oversized this sweater feels and fits, and I love how effortlessly it pairs with jeans. While I’m not usually one to buy multiples, I couldn’t help but pick up this sweater in two versatile colors — and I just added another one to my cart for winter.

Yankee Candle Classic Lilac Blossoms Large Jar Candle

As an avid candle user, it was only a matter of time until I tried one of Yankee Candle’s numerous popular scents. This lilac blossoms candle made my apartment feel like a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of New York City all spring and summer, and I’ve since picked up some of the brand’s seasonal offerings, too.

Elf Skin Holy Hydration! Face Cream

While my beauty cabinet may be ever-changing, you’ll never catch me without a tub of Elf’s Holy Hydration moisturizer. It’s lightweight, ultra-hydrating, and affordable. What more could you ask of a face cream?

Beats Solo 4 Wireless On-Ear Headphones

I actually picked up these headphones as a birthday gift for my boyfriend when they were on sale for Black Friday, and I’m happy to report that they’re a hit. He likes that they’re foldable for easy carrying, and he says the sound quality is second to none.

Afeetsing Round-Toe Ballet Flats

After spotting ballet flats on so many of my favorite celebrities this year (Zendaya, Meghan Markle, and Katie Holmes, just to name a few), I decided to see what all of the hype was about by picking up this pair from Amazon — and I’m so glad I did. These shoes are comfortable enough to withstand miles of walking in New York City — the ultimate indicator of quality footwear — and they add the cutest dainty touch to my outfits.

Manzi Opaque Control Top Tights

I’m constantly on the hunt for rip-resistant tights that don’t break the bank, and I’ve been thoroughly impressed by this pair from Amazon thus far. I love that they provide a semi-sheer look without feeling thin or flimsy, and at only $10 a pair, I won’t be as mad if they eventually snag or tear. 

The Gym People High-Waisted Yoga Pants

While I fell in love with these popular leggings when refreshing my athleisure collection earlier this year, it seems I’m not the only one who likes them: Nearly 38,200 shoppers have given them a perfect rating, with one user calling them the “best leggings on Amazon.”

BFWood Bamboo Hair Brush with Steel Bristles

I decided to pick up this hair brush after learning about the benefits of steel bristle brushes, and I can honestly say my hair has never looked better. Hundreds of five-star reviewers agree that their hair looks and feels healthier, silkier, and smoother after using this brush, with one even saying that using it feels like getting a “scalp massage.” 

Kodak Pixpro FZ45-RD Digital Camera

With three bachelorette parties and even more weddings on my calendar heading into 2024, I knew I wanted to snag a compact camera to help me capture the memories. Enter: The Kodak Pixpro Digital Camera, which is currently on sale for $90. This no-frills camera gives pictures a throwback feel, and it’s super easy to download photos to your phone or computer.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops

These PEOPLE Tested-approved self-tanning drops are the ultimate life-saver when I need a tan in a pinch. They don’t smell or stain my bed sheets, and they develop into a natural tan in just a few hours — win-win!